Scapegoat Samaras fully focused on Celtic role

Georgios Samaras insists he has turned his focus completely to doing his job on the pitch for Celtic after being the target of harsh criticism from some sections of supporters.

Georgios Samaras insists he has turned his focus completely to doing his job on the pitch for Celtic after being the target of harsh criticism from some sections of supporters.

Hoops fans were unsure why manager Neil Lennon was continuing to bother with the Greece international when the club found itself way behind Old Firm rivals Rangers in the title race earlier this season.

But Samaras has emerged as a key member of the side which has overhauled ‘Gers to take a 20-point lead at the top, which of course has been aided by a 10-point deduction sustained by the reigning champions, and he says it is down to simply focusing on his role.

"I tried to stay focused for the football, tried to help my team, tried to perform and play well when I had my chances," he said.

"If I hear positive comments from my manager, team-mates, from you (media) or negative comments from everyone, the supporters, you, the manager, my team-mates, I react the same way.

"I just try to stay focused on my game. I love football and I have told you before that I really don't care about what people say, I just try to stay focused because I really love what I'm doing.